Identifying and correcting the body’s deficiencies and metabolic disorders is a priority in strengthening the immune system.
The human body to function normally needs in an ideal ratio:
oxygen
water
macronutrients: fats, carbohydrates, proteins
micronutrients: vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics, enzymes, antioxidants
The ideal ratio of the above is different for each person and in different periods of life.
What Can We Do Today?
In addition to the standard international guidelines for strengthening the immune system related to a healthy lifestyle, such as:
- Do not smoke
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, significantly reducing the consumption of sugar
- Exercise regularly
- If we consume alcohol, drink in moderation
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Get enough sleep
- Take measures to prevent the transmission of infections, such as frequent hand washing, cover our cough with our sleeve, disinfect and cover all wounds and cuts, do not share with others glasses, dishes and cutlery
- Trying to reduce or better manage stress (2)
In addition, two additional vital factors radically affect the state of our immune system and our health. They are:
- Vitamin D and
- Insulin
Over the past decade, our knowledge about the action of these two powerful hormones that greatly determine the good metabolic function of our body is constantly increasing.
Vitamin D
Although it is referred to as a vitamin it is actually a very powerful hormone. Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of every cell in our body.
A study in JAMA Networks states that the higher the levels of vitamin D in the blood, the lower the chance of getting a common cold or flu (4.5).
It is necessary for the activation of the cells of the immune system that are responsible for killing pathogenic germs and viruses (6).
Insulin and vitamin C.
When we talk about boosting the immune system, there is almost always a reference to vitamin C. There are a significant number of studies that report that it strengthens our immune system, while there are others that state that it is not really effective in the common cold.
